Funke Treasure Highlights Impact Of Sanitary Kit Shortages On Girl Child

Funke Treasure Highlights Impact Of Sanitary Kit Shortages On Girl Child....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Renowned media professional Funke Treasure is deeply committed to addressing social issues impacting women and girls in Nigeria. Her advocacy group, the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign, focuses on combating period poverty. In an interview with BIODUN BUSARI, she discusses the challenges faced by schoolgirls and emphasizes the need for improved menstrual hygiene through the provision of sanitary pads, especially in rural and underserved communities……CONTINUE READING 

**What inspired the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign?**
The campaign is centered around period poverty, which affects women across both rural and urban areas. Many girls in some communities use makeshift materials like rags for menstrual hygiene. The campaign began with women sharing their personal experiences of menstruation and the various materials they have had to use.

**What are the key objectives of your advocacy?**
The Sanitary Pad Media Campaign aligns with Goals 3, 4, and 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focuses on ending period poverty, promoting health and well-being, ensuring quality education, and advancing gender equality. We advocate for free, sustainable sanitary pads for girls and affordable options for low-income women. We also push for menstrual items to be included in palliative packages during conflicts and crises, and for the construction of toilets in schools where girls can change their pads.

**Have you involved state governments in this advocacy?**
Yes, we raised the issue of gender-specific needs during COVID-19 palliative programs, highlighting the overlooked necessity of menstrual products. We argue that women’s needs should be considered, especially during conflicts and crises, where access to sanitary products becomes crucial.

**What programs have you implemented to meet these objectives?**
Our primary goal is to ensure menstrual dignity for schoolgirls and women in low-income areas. We provide menstrual items and have established ‘Pad Scholarships’ to incentivize school attendance. We operate in various states, supporting rural and urban communities and advocating for menstrual items to be included in palliative distributions. We also seek to implement comprehensive policies to support girls’ education and menstrual health.

**What challenges have you faced in your advocacy efforts?**
Securing funding has been our biggest challenge. While we receive occasional donations, we rely on small contributions from various sources. Despite these obstacles, we have managed to support around 50 girls and expand our efforts to 13 states, collaborating with other organizations to provide necessary supplies.

**How successful has the ‘Pad Scholarship’ program been?**
Launched in October 2021, the Pad Scholarship aims to provide regular menstrual hygiene support to schoolgirls. We have reached nearly 3,000 girls across 13 states, thanks to contributions from various organizations and individuals. We initially provided disposable pads but later switched to reusable ones for their durability.

**What kind of support is needed to enhance the advocacy’s impact?**
We need sustained financial support and increased awareness. Contributions from individuals and organizations have been vital, and we encourage more corporate and individual support to ensure the long-term success of our initiatives. We aim for a comprehensive approach to menstrual health, including the production and distribution of sanitary pads at the local level.

**Have you received recognition for your work?**
Yes, we have been honored with awards such as The Girl Force Movement’s S.H.E.R.O Award in 2022 and were finalists in the Gender Mainstreaming Award 2023. These accolades recognize the significant impact of our work on the lives of girls and women.

**What impact has the campaign made in sub-Saharan Africa?**
Our efforts have attracted attention from across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, and Liberia. This highlights the universal nature of period poverty and the need for continued advocacy and support.

**What is your vision for the future?**
We envision a Nigeria where menstrual health is prioritized and accessible for all girls. This includes integrating menstrual hygiene into school provisions and ensuring that every girl has access to the necessary products and education.

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